Going to London for the first time can be overwhelming given how big the city is. After all, it’s one of the largest cities in Europe, containing 32 boroughs and home to roughly 9 million people.
Keeping this in mind, it makes sense why it would be a challenge to figure out where are the best areas for eating out, shopping, clubbing, or even just taking a nice walk.
Luckily, you don’t need to worry about this because this guide will cover the three areas where you’re guaranteed to have the most fun and make the most out of your London trip.
1. Knightsbridge
Knightsbridge is one of London’s richest neighbourhoods, known for being where the city’s elite spend their time. It’s where you can expect to see the best cars, gorgeous houses, and boutique and designer stores.
If you’re looking to be surrounded by luxury and glamour, Knightsbridge is the place to be. Especially if one of your main goals is to experience a true luxury shopping experience.
Brompton Rd. in Knightsbridge happens to be the location of Harrods, one of the world’s most famous luxury department stores.
There, you can find over 3000 luxury brands under one roof, along with a fine selection of cafes and restaurants.
2. Mayfair
One of London’s most elegant and glitzy neighbourhoods, Mayfair is the place to be if you’re looking to be surrounded by people taking in London’s elegance.
From top to bottom, the area is studded with Michelin-star restaurants, the best London nightclubs, elegant bars and lounges, and of course, shopping hotspots.
Mayfair is also where you’ll find the best and most luxurious hotels in the city, so safe to say that the area is very lively and vibrant.
When in Mayfair, you’ll find that the best spots mainly depend on the time of day and what you’re in the mood for. For example, if you’re looking for a superb meal, you can’t go wrong with the area around Grosvenor Sq.
It’s where you’ll find Michelin-starred and otherwise elegant renowned restaurants like Ivy Asia Mayfair, Gordon Ramsay Bar & Grill, and Hélène Darroze at The Connaught.
Mayfair’s streets also offer a remarkable shopping experience, primarily Oxford Street. The street is home to over 300 shops belonging to world-renowned brands and international designers.
Not to mention, it’s where you’ll be able to find many flagship stores, including the biggest Selfridges location (the second largest store after Harrod’s).
As for the nightlife, the area offers a wide selection of bars and lounges where you can start your night. Then, if you want to take it to the next level, you can head to one of Mayfair’s high-end exclusive nightclubs for an unforgettable night.
3. Soho
Soho is considered a cultural melting pot, a great area to get in touch with the city’s cultural diversity. A feast for the senses, Soho is an area that can’t be described in one word. It’s raunchy, elegant, bustling, mysterious, history-filled, and the list goes on.
While Soho is home to many younger and newer brands, shopping isn’t really the main attraction there. If you’re going to Soho, you must simply set foot in one of the area’s hidden speakeasies.
Neatly tucked behind a bookcase inside Milroy’s of Soho, you can find The Vault; a hidden bar if there ever was one. The Vault is a dimly lit, intimate, basement speakeasy where you can find a mind-blowing collection of experimental cocktails.
Disrepute is another hidden bar worth checking out. While technically a members’ bar, they do accept non-member bookings and walk-ins. A smart casual attire is usually enough to get you through the door and into the luxurious hidden bar.
With the exception of its hidden bars, Soho’s beauty is in plain sight. If you really want to discover the area, all you need to do is head there and let yourself get lost in its streets. You’re always guaranteed to find something interesting.
Despite already saying a lot, it doesn’t even begin to cover how rich the three areas are with activities and hotspots. With the information you have now though, you should be well on the right path to making the most out of your London visit.
One thing to keep in mind that will save you a lot of time and effort is booking ahead of time. When it comes to high-end nightclubs, restaurants, bars, tea rooms, and so on, a booking is usually required.
How early you should book generally depends on how exclusive/in-demand the establishment is, but generally, it’s a good practice in London to book ahead.
